Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Saturday, 30 May 2026 23:32 / Updated Saturday, 30 May 2026 23:37
PSG – Arsenal, Champions League final. Mikel Arteta (44), the coach of Arsenal, spoke about the disappointment caused by the failure, but also about the course of his team this season, at the end of a dramatic lost match, score 3-4, on penalty kicks, with PSG, who retain the trophy won last year.
The technician admitted that the defeat was difficult to digest, but wanted to congratulate his players for reaching the final in Budapest, after a very good season in the most important interclub competition on the continent.
“You have to control your emotions. You feel pain and you have to accept it, because that's what sport is. However, this does not diminish the pride I feel for my players. We have to congratulate PSG, a club that has resources for absolutely everything,” he began, quoted by marca.com.
Mikel Arteta's conclusions after the failure in the League final
The Arsenal manager explained that the tactical plan did not involve so much time spent on the defensive and highlighted the merits of Luis Enrique in transforming the Paris formation.
“Yes, we wanted to score quickly, but we didn't intend to spend so many minutes in a defensive block. What Luis Enrique has achieved with this team is remarkable. You also need a bit of luck in these kinds of matches, and we didn't have it”continued the technician of the losers.
Regarding the shootout series, the technician recalled the absences from his team. “Those who could have executed. We missed players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Penalty takers are different from those who start the match and you have to be precise in those moments.” said Arteta, who, inevitably, was also asked about his future.
“Now I need a rest. It's been a very, very long year. I'm extremely grateful to everyone, the staff, the team and the fans. Now is the time to rest.” concluded the technician of the champion of England.
The best images from the Champions League final
